Travis letter may signal new Alamo era

February 25, 2013 4:05 PM

Photo: Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

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Some people feel Alamo Plaza needs to honor the memory of the Alamo defenders in a more appropriate way than by selling T-shirts and characters scaring pedestrians outside of Ripley's Haunted Adventures. One project may be relocation of buildings on the west side of the plaza to allow for re-creation of the Alamo's west wall, and conversion of the 1930s federal building on the plaza's north end to a multimedia center and museum. HELEN L. MONTOYA/hmontoya@express-news.net less

Some people feel Alamo Plaza needs to honor the memory of the Alamo defenders in a more appropriate way than by selling T-shirts and characters scaring pedestrians outside of Ripley's Haunted Adventures. One ... more

Photo: HELEN L. MONTOYA, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Some people feel Alamo Plaza needs to honor the memory of the Alamo... Photo-4243379.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Photo: San Antonio Express-News

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Visitors wait in a line that wrapped around the grounds of the Alamo for an opportunity to see the historic letter.

Visitors wait in a line that wrapped around the grounds of the Alamo for an opportunity to see the historic letter.

Visitors wait in a line that wrapped around the grounds of the... Photo-4240791.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Visitors wait in a line that wrapped around the grounds of the Alamo for an opportunity to see the historic letter written by William Barret Travis on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2012. Visitors stood in line for nearly two hours to get a glimpse of the original "victory or death" letter written by Travis on the first day of the exhibit. Officials are anticipating at least twice the amount of traffic than usual at the Texas Shrine. The letter will be on display at the Alamo through March 7th to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo.

Visitors wait in a line that wrapped around the grounds of the Alamo for an opportunity to see the historic letter written by William Barret Travis on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2012. Visitors stood in line for nearly

Visitors wait in a line that wrapped around the grounds of the... Photo-4239741.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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With John Anderson from the Texas State Library and Archives (far right) providing information and insights, visitors to the Shrine of Texas Liberty take a look at the letter that Lt. Col. William Barret Travis authored 177 years ago today. less

With John Anderson from the Texas State Library and Archives (far right) providing information and insights, visitors to the Shrine of Texas Liberty take a look at the letter that Lt. Col. William Barret Travis ... more

Photo: Photos By Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News

With John Anderson from the Texas State Library and Archives (far... Photo-4240789.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Visitors wait in line just outside a draped area where the original historic letter written by William Barret Travis is on display in the Alamo on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2012. Visitors stood in line for nearly two hours to see the "victory or death" letter written by Travis on the first day of the exhibit. Officials are anticipating at least twice the amount of traffic than usual at the Texas Shrine. The letter will be on display at the Alamo through March 7th to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo. less

Visitors wait in line just outside a draped area where the original historic letter written by William Barret Travis is on display in the Alamo on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2012. Visitors stood in line for nearly two ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Visitors wait in line just outside a draped area where the original... Photo-4239743.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Visitors catch a glimpse of the original historic letter written by William Barret Travis contained in an archival display in the Alamo on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2012. Visitors stood in line for nearly two hours to see the "victory or death" letter written by Travis on the first day of the exhibit. Officials are anticipating at least twice the amount of traffic than usual at the Texas Shrine. The letter will be on display at the Alamo through March 7th to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo. less

Visitors catch a glimpse of the original historic letter written by William Barret Travis contained in an archival display in the Alamo on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2012. Visitors stood in line for nearly two hours to ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Visitors catch a glimpse of the original historic letter written by... Photo-4239742.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Volunteer docent Don Townsend (left) chats up Vanessa and Jose Soto's children while they wait to go into the Alamo and get a glimpse of the letter written by William Barret Travis to visitors at the Alamo on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2012. Vanessa said she was a fourth-grade social studies teacher and wanted to bring her kids to see the historical document. Visitors stood in line for nearly two hours to get a glimpse of the original "victory or death" letter written by Travis on the first day of the exhibit. Officials are anticipating at least twice the amount of traffic than usual at the Texas Shrine. The letter will be on display at the Alamo through March 7th to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo. less

Volunteer docent Don Townsend (left) chats up Vanessa and Jose Soto's children while they wait to go into the Alamo and get a glimpse of the letter written by William Barret Travis to visitors at the Alamo on ... more

John Anderson (third from left) from the Texas State Library and Archives points out facts about the letter written by William Barret Travis to visitors at the Alamo on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2012. Visitors stood in line for nearly two hours to get a glimpse of the original "victory or death" letter written by Travis on the first day of the exhibit. Officials are anticipating at least twice the amount of traffic than usual at the Texas Shrine. The letter will be on display at the Alamo through March 7th to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo. less

John Anderson (third from left) from the Texas State Library and Archives points out facts about the letter written by William Barret Travis to visitors at the Alamo on Saturday, Feb. 23, 2012. Visitors stood ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

John Anderson (third from left) from the Texas State Library and... Photo-4239738.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February 24, 1836 by William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, is carried Friday Feb. 22, 2013 to the Alamo by Alamo Rangers. The letter is rturning to the Alamo for the first time since it was dispatched by Travis during the battle. It will be on display until March 7.

The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February 24, 1836 by William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, is carried Friday Feb. 22, 2013 to the Alamo

The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February... Photo-4236416.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Alamo Rangers carry the historic document through the doors of the Alamo. less

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Alamo Rangers carry the historic document ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the... Photo-4236509.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February 24, 1836 by William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, is carried Friday Feb. 22, 2013 to the Alamo by Alamo Rangers. The letter is rturning to the Alamo for the first time since it was dispatched by Travis during the battle. It will be on display until March 7. less

The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February 24, 1836 by William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, is carried Friday Feb. 22, 2013 to the Alamo ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February... Photo-4236412.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February 24, 1836 by William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, is carried Friday Feb. 22, 2013 to the Alamo by Alamo Rangers. The letter is rturning to the Alamo for the first time since it was dispatched by Travis during the battle. It will be on display until March 7. less

The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February 24, 1836 by William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, is carried Friday Feb. 22, 2013 to the Alamo ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February... Photo-4236456.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February 24, 1836 by William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, is carried Friday Feb. 22, 2013 to the Alamo by Alamo Rangers. The letter is rturning to the Alamo for the first time since it was dispatched by Travis during the battle. It will be on display until March 7. less

The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February 24, 1836 by William Barret Travis, Commander of the Texian rebels in the former mission known as the Alamo, is carried Friday Feb. 22, 2013 to the Alamo ... more

Photo: William Luther, San Antonio Express-News

The famous "Victory or Death" letter penned on February... Photo-4236346.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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An honor guard carries the Travis Letter to the Alamo Friday afternoon.

An honor guard carries the Travis Letter to the Alamo Friday afternoon.

An honor guard carries the Travis Letter to the Alamo Friday... Photo-4236440.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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A crate holding the letter written by Alamo commander Lt. Colonel William Barret Travis is carried toward the Alamo during a ceremony to mark its return on Friday, Feb. 22. 2013 in San Antonio. The famous "victory or death" letter written by Travis that had been kept in Austin until now will be put on display at the Alamo for 13 days starting on Saturday to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo. (AP Photo/San Antonio Express-News, Kin Man Hui) RUMBO DE SAN ANTONIO OUT; MAGS OUT; NO SALES; MANDATORY CREDIT less

A crate holding the letter written by Alamo commander Lt. Colonel William Barret Travis is carried toward the Alamo during a ceremony to mark its return on Friday, Feb. 22. 2013 in San Antonio. The famous ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, Associated Press

A crate holding the letter written by Alamo commander Lt. Colonel... Photo-4236651.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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An honor guard carries the Travis Letter to the Alamo during a ceremony Friday afternoon.

An honor guard carries the Travis Letter to the Alamo during a ceremony Friday afternoon.

Photo: Benjamin Olivo

An honor guard carries the Travis Letter to the Alamo during a... Photo-4236005.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Members of the Alamo Rangers carry a crate that contains the historic document as The Ross Volunteer Company of Texas A&M University create an arch with their sabers. less

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Members of the Alamo Rangers carry a crate that ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the... Photo-4236505.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Members of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce hold a "Gonzales Flag" during the ceremony. less

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Members of the Gonzales Chamber of Commerce ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the... Photo-4236519.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Reenactors stand guard waiting for the historic document to arrive. less

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Reenactors stand guard waiting for the historic ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the... Photo-4236433.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Will Travis, left, Denton County Sheriff, and fifth great nephew of William Barret Travis, chats with Karen Thompson President General of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas, center, with Jerry Patterson, right, Texas Land Commissioner. less

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Will Travis, left, Denton County Sheriff, and ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the... Photo-4236436.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The fifth-great nephew of Alamo commander William Barret Travis, Denton County Sheriff William Barrett Travis (left) reads his great uncle's letter as the document is carried toward the Alamo during a ceremony to mark its return on Friday, Feb. 22. 2013. The famous "victory or death" letter written by Travis that had been kept in Austin until now will be put on display at the Alamo for 13 days starting on Saturday to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo. On stage with Travis was Karen Thompson, president-general of the Daughters of the Republic of Texas (center) and Texas Land Commissioner Jerry Thompson. less

The fifth-great nephew of Alamo commander William Barret Travis, Denton County Sheriff William Barrett Travis (left) reads his great uncle's letter as the document is carried toward the Alamo during a ceremony ... more

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Will Travis, left, Denton County Sheriff, the fifth great nephew of William Barret Travis, and Michael Waters, Chairman Texas State Library and Archives Commission wait for the ceremony to begin. less

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. Will Travis, left, Denton County Sheriff, the ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the... Photo-4236432.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013.

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013.

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the... Photo-4236507.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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People claim seats early in anticipation of the Travis letter's arrival.

People claim seats early in anticipation of the Travis letter's arrival.

People claim seats early in anticipation of the Travis... Photo-4235650.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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John Tyler, dressed as a New Orleans gray sergeant, will be part of the color guard that will lead the Travis letter back into the Alamo.

John Tyler, dressed as a New Orleans gray sergeant, will be part of the color guard that will lead the Travis letter back into the Alamo.

John Tyler, dressed as a New Orleans gray sergeant, will be part of... Photo-4235126.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Lynn Jones from Mequite hoists a video camera to record the return of the letter written by Alamo commander Lt. Colonel William Barret Travis to the Alamo during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 22. 2013. The famous "victory or death" letter written by Travis that had been kept in Austin until now will be put on display at the Alamo for 13 days starting on Saturday to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo. "I've been looking forward to this (moment). It's awesome. I'm probably going to tear up (upon seeing the document)," said Jones. less

Lynn Jones from Mequite hoists a video camera to record the return of the letter written by Alamo commander Lt. Colonel William Barret Travis to the Alamo during a ceremony on Friday, Feb. 22. 2013. The famous ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Lynn Jones from Mequite hoists a video camera to record the return... Photo-4236421.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. A drummer of the US Army 36th Infantry Division Band waits for the historic document to arrive. less

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the Alamo, returned to the Alamo for the first time since it was sent in 1836. Friday, Feb. 22, 2013. A drummer of the US Army 36th Infantry Division ... more

Photo: Bob Owen, San Antonio Express-News

The William Barret Travis Letter, requesting help to defend the... Photo-4236437.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Lynn Jones from Mequite walks on the ground of the Alamo before a ceremony to mark the return of the letter written by Alamo commander Lt. Colonel William Barret Travis to the Alamo on Friday, Feb. 22. 2013. The famous "victory or death" letter written by Travis that had been kept in Austin until now will be put on display at the Alamo for 13 days starting on Saturday to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo. "I've been looking forward to this (moment). It's awesome. I'm probably going to tear up (upon seeing the document)," said Jones. less

Lynn Jones from Mequite walks on the ground of the Alamo before a ceremony to mark the return of the letter written by Alamo commander Lt. Colonel William Barret Travis to the Alamo on Friday, Feb. 22. 2013. ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

Lynn Jones from Mequite walks on the ground of the Alamo before a... Photo-4236423.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper travel show on PBS, shoots a scene in front of the Alamo. Garner and the crew are in town on letter weekend by coincidence.

Chet Garner, host of The Daytripper travel show on PBS, shoots a scene in front of the Alamo. Garner and the crew are in town on letter weekend by coincidence.

Barricades are up in anticipation of the letter's return this afternoon.

Barricades are up in anticipation of the letter's return this afternoon.

Barricades are up in anticipation of the letter's return this... Photo-4234476.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Chairs are set up in from the Alamo in preparation for the Travis letter's return.

Chairs are set up in from the Alamo in preparation for the Travis letter's return.

Chairs are set up in from the Alamo in preparation for the Travis... Photo-4234271.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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A sound board is plugged in in preparation for the arrival of the Travis letter.

A sound board is plugged in in preparation for the arrival of the Travis letter.

A sound board is plugged in in preparation for the arrival of the... Photo-4234186.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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The red carpet is positioned for the arrival of the Travis letter.

The red carpet is positioned for the arrival of the Travis letter.

The red carpet is positioned for the arrival of the Travis letter. Photo-4234185.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Crews set up audio/visual equipment in front of the Alamo in preparation for the arrival of Travis' 'victory or death' letter.

Crews set up audio/visual equipment in front of the Alamo in preparation for the arrival of Travis' 'victory or death' letter.

Crews set up audio/visual equipment in front of the Alamo in... Photo-4234184.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Crews set up equipment in front of the Alamo in preparation for the arrival of Travis' 'victory or death' letter.

Crews set up equipment in front of the Alamo in preparation for the arrival of Travis' 'victory or death' letter.

Crews set up equipment in front of the Alamo in preparation for the... Photo-4234183.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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Crews set up audio/visual equipment Friday morning in front of the Alamo in preparation for the arrival of Travis' 'victory or death' letter.

Crews set up audio/visual equipment Friday morning in front of the Alamo in preparation for the arrival of Travis' 'victory or death' letter.

Crews set up audio/visual equipment Friday morning in front of the... Photo-4234182.57424 - San Antonio Express-News

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A truck carrying the crate holding the letter written by Alamo commander Lt. Colonel William Barret Travis arrives at the Alamo before a ceremony to mark its return on Friday, Feb. 22. 2013. The famous "victory or death" letter written by Travis that had been kept in Austin until now will be put on display at the Alamo for 13 days starting on Saturday to commemorate the 177th anniversary of the battle at the Alamo. less

A truck carrying the crate holding the letter written by Alamo commander Lt. Colonel William Barret Travis arrives at the Alamo before a ceremony to mark its return on Friday, Feb. 22. 2013. The famous "victory ... more

Photo: Kin Man Hui, San Antonio Express-News

A truck carrying the crate holding the letter written by Alamo... Photo-4236419.57424 - San Antonio Express-News